Caramelized Zucchini Pasta: Golden Caramelized Meal!

Caramelized Zucchini Pasta is a delightful and savory dish that adds a rich twist to your traditional pasta. This yummy recipe transforms fresh zucchini into a caramelized, golden-brown topping that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta, creating a deliciously satisfying meal for any occasion.

To create this delightful dish, simply sauté zucchini until it caramelizes, then toss it with pasta and a little bit of garlic and parmesan for a delicious combination. The result is a flavorful and beautiful meal that’s sure to be loved by everyone.

Perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a cozy night in, Caramelized Zucchini Pasta is easy to make and offers a unique flavor. Each bite has a blend of sweet and savory goodness of caramelized zucchini. Taste the deliciousness of Caramelized Zucchini Pasta and bring a new touch of flavor to your recipe book.

Caramelized Zucchini Pasta

Caramelized Zucchini Pasta features tender pasta tossed with sweet, golden-brown zucchini, garlic, and herbs. The rich, caramelized flavor of the zucchini blends perfectly with a light, savory sauce, creating a deliciously balanced and satisfying meal that's both unique and comforting.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 people

Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1½ cups Caesar-style seasoned croutons,
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan, divided
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper, more to taste
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fine salt, as needed
• 2 medium shallots peeled and thinly sliced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 large zucchini
• 1 lb spaghetti or long pasta of choice

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups crushed Caesar-style croutons with half the parmesan, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Season with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
• Cook 1 pound of spaghetti or other long pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions for al dente.
• Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add 3 large zucchini (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds), 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Cook, stirring often, until zucchini is softened and browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add 2 tablespoons pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
• Return pasta to the pot over medium heat.
• Add 1 cup pasta water and 2 ounces cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta.
• Mix in the caramelized vegetables and the remaining parmesan.
• Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and additional crushed red pepper to taste.
• Add most of the fresh basil leaves, reserving some for garnish.
• If needed, add more pasta water to reach desired consistency.
• Serve topped with crouton breadcrumbs and reserved basil leaves.

Keyword caramelized zucchini pasta, caramelized zucchini pasta recipe

Nutrition Facts:

Does Zucchini Pasta Taste Like Traditional Pasta?

Zucchini noodles don’t have the exact same flavor as regular pasta, but if cooked properly to an al dente texture, they offer a surprisingly satisfying alternative.

Is Zucchini Pasta A Healthy Option?

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories while being rich in vitamin C and fiber. This makes it a nutritious substitute for traditional pasta noodles.

What Flavor Does Zucchini Have?

Zucchini has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and takes on the taste of the ingredients it’s cooked with. Its pale flesh, skin, and seeds are all edible and nutrient-rich.